Movement Screening

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is the screening tool used to identify limitations or asymmetries in seven fundamental movement patterns that are key to functional movement quality in individuals with no current pain complaint or known musculoskeletal injury.

These movement patterns are designed to provide observable performance of basic loco motor, manipulative and stabilizing movements by placing an individual in extreme positions where weaknesses and imbalances become noticeable if appropriate mobility and motor control is not utilized.

FMS is a ranking and grading system that documents movement patterns that are key to normal function. By screening these patterns, the FMS readily identifies functional limitations and asymmetries. These are issues that can reduce the effects of functional training and physical conditioning and distort body awareness.
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an innovative system used to evaluate movement pattern quality for clients or athletes. It allows the clinician to use a simple and quantifiable method of evaluating basic movement abilities. The key to the Functional Movement Screen is that it consists of a series of seven tests with a simple grading system. The FMS allows a clinician to begin the process of functional movement pattern assessment in individuals without pathology.

The FMS is not intended to diagnose orthopaedic problems but rather to demonstrate limitations or asymmetries in healthy individuals with respect to basic movement patterns. The FMS is a useful starting point to identify limitations of movement or instability that could potentially develop into an injury site. Once an area of weakness or limited movement had been identified we then use a more detailed orthopaedic screen of the site for further investigation.